Broncos' new CB looks to help Bailey

Rodgers-Cromartie fell off map during two seasons in Philadelphia

ENGLEWOOD -- It's a story about smiles, in good times and bad. It's about do-overs and second chances.

Oh, and it's about a backpack. Put it all together and you have the story of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, the Broncos and what each can get from the other during the upcoming season.

"Bottom line, there isn't too much that gets me down," Rodgers-Cromartie said. "I'm free-spirited. I try to make people laugh. I'm a happy-go-lucky guy, and I think coming here will be a good thing -- a real good thing."

While the Broncos try to balance a long-term vision of what kind of roster John Elway wants to build for Pat Bowlen's team -- a draft-fueled depth chart with homegrown players that keeps the team competitive over the long haul -- signing Rodgers-Cromartie was a win-now move.

The Broncos get an athletic player who is only 27 years old and has been to the Pro Bowl on a relatively low-risk, one-year deal. Already, as the Broncos work through their offseason program, they have installed Rodgers-Cromartie as the starter at right cornerback, opposite of Champ Bailey.

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